A series of 10 six minute audio segments produced for the Community Radio Network with financial assistance from the Community Broadcasting Foundation. Eight of the episodes feature a writer for kids talking about their first encounters with story, and with books; about learning to read, the pleasure of books and how to share that with kids today. The final two episodes turn to some of those kids of today for their thoughts on books and reading. Thanks to everyone who took part, and to the Sydney Writers Festival, Waverley Library and Eastside Radio. See episode details, book lists and link to audio on Soundcloud below.

EPISODE 2: American author Kate di Camillo, whose books include Because of Winn-Dixie and The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. Kate has won multiple awards and sold millions of books and vividly recalls the first book she ever read on her own. LISTEN HERE.

EPISODE 3: Artist and author Bronwyn Bancroft, who describes books as ‘items of gloriousness’. Her own books include Remembering Lionsville, An Australian ABC of Animals, Malu Kangaroo and many more.LISTEN HERE.

EPISODE 4: Hilary Bell, a playwright, lyricist and librettist, as well as the author of illustrated books including the bestseller Alphabetical Sydney. Hilary was a graduate of the Juilliard School, the Sydney Theatre Company’s Patrick White Fellow in 2013, and is a founding member of playwrights’ company 7-ON. Her description of being read to by her father should sell the experience of reading aloud with children to absolutely everyone.LISTEN HERE.

EPISODE 5: Nick Earls, a Brisbane-based author,has written more than 25 books for adults and children, most recently an award-winning collection of novellas called The Wisdom Tree. Nick also has a seven year old son and some recent firsthand experience in introducing kids to the pleasures of reading. LISTEN HERE.

EPISODE 6: Tina Matthews is originally from New Zealand and is a puppetmaker and designer as well as a creator of picture books, among them Out of the Egg,Waiting for Later and A Great Cake. Her black and white mobile for babies has found its way to more than 35,000 homes around the world. LISTEN HERE.

EPISODE 7: Michael Mohammed Ahmad, author of The Tribe, works at the Writing and Society Research Centre at Western Sydney University and is the director of Sweatshop, a Western Sydney-based literary collective. He’s also the parent of a 20 month old who’s growing up with an experience of books and reading that’s very different to his dad’s. LISTEN HERE.

EPISODE 8: Mem Fox is author of Australia’s best selling picture books Possum Magic and Where is the Green Sheep? and many others, Mem’s also a great ambassador for children’s books and reading in Australia and internationally and her enthusiasm for the joys of sharing books with kids is as strong and as infectious as its ever been. LISTEN HERE.

EPISODE 9: Time to hear from some kids! Annabelle, Benjamin, Dani, Eden, Jamie, Julia, Jessica, Tyler and Zachary were among the crowd at the Harry Potter 20th anniversary celebrations at Waverley Library in Sydney's eastern suburbs in June 2017. They took some time out of the festivities to talk about their experiences of learning to read. LISTEN HERE.

EPISODE 10: Still at Waverley Library's Harry Potter 20th anniversary celebrations. In this episode some thoughtful advice for new readers, along with with recommendations and reflections on reading. Thanks to Alexandra, Annabelle, Benjamin, Caitie, Eden, Jamie, Jay, Julia, Jessica and Tyler for taking part. LISTEN HERE.